We’re halfway through the second international break of the season – there’s another one to come in November – and with less than three months to go now before the opening of the January transfer window, thoughts are already turning to possible Liverpool recruitment.
Jurgen Klopp has a relatively quiet summer, with Ibrahima Konate, a deal agreed before the end of May, the only major acquisition at Anfield.
Could there be more Liverpool moves on the way in the New Year sales? Here’s a round-up of some of the latest speculation from around the web on the tittle-tattle trail.
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Who?
Adama Traore, the muscular Wolverhampton Wanderers wide man, who possesses the kind of powerful frame you usually see on rugby players rather than top footballers.
Where?
Sports Mole cites El Nacional as claiming that with Liverpool supposedly facing uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the Reds’ interest in Traore has now been ‘intensified.’
The report adds that Traore is in no position to turn down a move to Anfield, where Jurgen Klopp is anticipating his arrival with 'open arms.’
What?
It’s true that back in January 2020, after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wolves at Molineux, Klopp declared that Traore: “Is unplayable in moments, it’s unbelievable.
“What a player – it’s not only him but he’s so good.”
However, the caveat in that sentence would be the clause “in moments.”
If he’s going to follow fellow Iberian wide man Diogo Jota to Merseyside then the 25-year-old Spain international is going to have to become a more consistent performer.
Traore was not always a regular for Wolves last term and he has failed to score in nine outings for them so far this season.
Who?
Giant Senegalese centre-back Pape Abou Cisse of Olympiakos.
The 26-year-old, capped four times, stands at an imposing 6ft 6in tall and is back playing in Greece after a loan spell with Saint-Etienne earlier this year.
Where?
The Daily Mail reports that Liverpool are leading the charge for Cisse with rivals Everton and Arsenal also keen on the defensive man mountain.
They claim Cisse has been the subject of several inquiries, with Liverpool showing the most intent so far as they search for even more protection at centre-back.
What?
While Klopp is known for his fondness for central defenders who possess height, this alone isn’t enough to earn you a big move to Liverpool.
The Reds endured an injury crisis in the position last term when the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and even midfielders such as Jordan Henderson and Fabinho who were drafted in, were all sidelined but with those names now back and Konate also signed, they appear well-stocked in that area.
Who?
An old favourite on transfer rumours rated, Ousmane Dembele.
The 24-year-old Barcelona winger has been periodically linked with Liverpool for over three years.
Back in 2018 when Klopp was wading through some Nabil Fekir transfer talk and Dembele’s name cropped up, he said: “Is he on the market? Now I’m interested.”
Where?
Teamtalk claim Liverpool are lining up an offer for Ousmane Dembele in January as they compete to land his signature on a free transfer next summer.
With cash-strapped Barca unable to offer the player the same kind of terms on a new deal, the report reckons several of Europe’s big clubs are circling over a potential bargain buy for a player who cost his current employers €105million plus €40million in add ons back in 2017.
Manchester City and Chelsea are also credited with being in touch with Dembele’s representatives, along with Bayern Munich and Juventus.
What?
Dembele has flattered to deceive since his big money move to the Camp Nou and his time there has been blighted by injuries.
Perhaps if he can get himself fit, a fresh start under an admiring boss like Klopp at Liverpool could be the ideal solution for all parties with FSG also not having to shell out on a transfer fee.
